My experience with Accuphase PS1220 power conditioner

[TOGA]

My PC is Running Spring Audio Maxim.

It feeds 3 machines.
Accuphase Dp900 via shunyata anaconda zetron
Accuphase dc901 via transparent PLMM2x with Oyaide 004 connectors
ARC Ref40 via RSA HZ cord
MIT Oracle AC2 with Oyaide 004 connector feeding the Maxim.

Then I replaced Maxim with PS1220 using same power cables everywhere
Now i know that my AC line THD is between 1.8 to 2.5 % reading from PS1220 display.
New sound is like complete new system. Now i can hear everything. I swear everything.
Bass control is the best. Treble trails longer. Midrange oh so vivid.
Dynamic is unbelievable. Total load is around 200 VA . But during Ref40 start up i can see
Short term swing to 1000VA for a second. I am so excited with new hyper detail sound for
A night.
On second day, i felt tired from everything that i hear. I cant stand it anymore.
I put Maxim back. Now sound is much mellower. Softer. Less dynamite.
But i feel more relax, and more comfort. PS1220 is not sound harsh or anything.
I think i will need softer sound AC cords and connector to make PS1220 more relax.

For now Maxim will stay. PS520 will come next when I have time

TOGA

[Still-One]

TOGA
Keep us posted. Sounds like you have added a premium component to your set-up.

[Anthony]

Yes its incredible the difference a good conditioner can make and that it has such a positive effect on audio sound.

Ages ago I had a separate power circuit fitted and that was of a benefit, but recently when I fitted a line conditioner (UK brand, Isoteck -Sigmas) the difference was amazing and I noted very similar effects, especially the base increase and overall clarity in many areas.

Anthony

[Masterlu]

TOGA... Very nice review & pics!

[TOGA]

I am sure , with some different AC Cords, PS1220 will beat RSA Maxim.

I put PS1220 on HRS S1 Green. Forgot that load limit of my HRS is much less than
Weight of PS1220, I hope I didnt damage suspension of my expensive platform..

Toga

[bvdiman]

Toga when you tested the PS1220 were they demo unit which was already well run-in?
A friend who uses them said that broken-in and with the right PC they sound amazing.. Smooth, relax, resolute, black, yet dynamic.
I am contemplating to get the PS1220 for A200 monos (but dealer said capacity will be on the brink and asked me to get two units instead, one per each amp hence my hesitation). And one PS520 for pre-amp and CDP use (which should be no sweat).

[Masterlu]

[bvdiman]

Thanks for the pic..
Beautifully made just like innards of their amps.
I'm just a little wary if one will suffice handling A200s.

[antipop]

Originally Posted by bvdiman

Toga when you tested the PS1220 were they demo unit which was already well run-in?
A friend who uses them said that broken-in and with the right PC they sound amazing.. Smooth, relax, resolute, black, yet dynamic.
I am contemplating to get the PS1220 for A200 monos (but dealer said capacity will be on the brink and asked me to get two units instead, one per each amp hence my hesitation). And one PS520 for pre-amp and CDP use (which should be no sweat).

Is there really a need for a power amp ?

From what I read, it is most useful for source and pre-amp whereas it is not as needed for power amps.

A power conditioner is basically a power amp which is why they cost that much.

[bvdiman]

Originally Posted by antipop

Is there really a need for a power amp ?

From what I read, it is most useful for source and pre-amp whereas it is not as needed for power amps.

A power conditioner is basically a power amp which is why they cost that much.

I needed them actually more for their stabilizing ability, the filtering part being a nice added bonus.
Most of my equipments are 230v. Electricity in the Country is supposedly 220v but actual voltage output varies too much at home 195v-225v, hence inconsistencies of sound throughout the day.

In my old room, I had a stabilizer installed prior the breaker box to separate dedicated lines but found that good stabilizer/filter units to work better for my system/purpose.

While living in Sydney in early '80s, PC/stabilizer was not that well known yet, well at least to me, I recalled sound of my system was so much better on late night listenings. Come to think of it, voltage fluctuations, big or small, will no doubt impact our system's delivery/performance.

Have since been using Tice Power Block/Titan throughout the '90s, and PS Audio units '00 until now with excellent results. Considering my current situation, power conditioners with stabilizing/regulating capability are therefore almost mandatory, more so for amps where change of voltage means shift in biasing resulting in change of sound.

*My thinking, without voltage consistency, our systems will be left vulnerably unpredictable. We would have to second guess the time of day it'll be sounding its best, let alone for when auditioning new stuffs.